This is National Newspaper Week – it runs Oct. 6-12 – and what it celebrates is something most people take for granted.
The old song about newspapers going the way of the dinosaur has been sung for years now, and we’re still here, and still going strong. So let’s take a minute to see what newspapers are still providing.
Where else do you look for children’s activities, senior programs, local teams’ sports scores. Where else will you find the details of zoning variances, proposed developments, town expenditures. And where else will you read about who’s been hired in town, who voted how on a controversial local decision, or how your school district is preparing for declining enrollment or a possible dress code.
You can find out what’s on sale, where to find a plumber, and when soccer sign-up will take place. And the watchdog role of a newspaper – pointing out actions taken out of public session, perhaps, or delving into a public official’s background – doesn’t make friends for us, but we’re sure to hear about it from readers when we don’t pursue those topics.
What else can you find in these pages? Letters offering local viewpoints, your baby’s birth noted, or your Eagle Scout project photographed.
And it all means so much more when you can hold the paper in your hands, read it at your leisure, and cut out something important to save for the future. It doesn’t go away.
Are we a relic of the past? No – instead, we document the present and offer it to our readers, where it remains part of the public record for perusal by generations to come.
These days, national and international news reach us in real time through multiple online outlets. In New Hampshire, state news is at our fingertips at the computer as well. But news of your local communities? Unless it’s a major car crash or a particularly horrible crime, you’re not likely to find much of anything online – but you will find it in your local community newspaper.
No dinosaurs here. If you’re reading this, you’re holding in your hands an important tool for being an active participant in your community – someone who’s aware of what’s gone on, preparing for what’s to come, and enjoying stories about your neighbors.
Your local newspaper – we’re part of the community and at work building community – and we’re glad you’re reading us.

In Derry, New Hampshire...

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